Interfacial Domino Effect Triggered by β-Alanine Cations Realized Highly Reversible Zinc-Metal Anodes

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Zinc anodes are critical for batteries but suffer from dendrite formation and short lifespans.
• Controlling Zn anode interface chemistry, electro-reduction kinetics, and mass transfer is key to stable battery performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the domino effect of beta-alanine cations (Ala+) in a hydrogel matrix for dendrite-free Zn anode deposition.
• To elucidate the mechanisms of electrostatic shielding, kinetic control, and mass transfer enhancement by Ala+.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a hydrogel matrix containing beta-alanine cations (Ala+).
• Analyzing the interfacial chemistry and deposition behavior of Zn anodes.
• Investigating the formation of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer.

Main Results:

• Ala+ cations induce electrostatic shielding, promoting stockier Zn deposits and crystallographic optimization.
• Ala+ accelerates Zn2+ mass transfer by immobilizing SO42- anions, balancing kinetics and mass transfer.
• A hybrid inorganic-organic SEI layer is formed, enhancing Zn anode utilization and stability.

Conclusions:

• The domino effect of Ala+ cations enables dendrite-free Zn deposition and improved battery performance.
• Zn||Zn cells demonstrated a 12-fold increase in lifespan (3650 h) and 99.4% Coulombic efficiency.
• This approach offers a promising strategy for developing high-performance and long-lasting zinc-based batteries.